Showtime to Air ‘Prison Fighters’ Documentary on Feb. 24

Showtime announced on Tuesday that it will air a controversial new
documentary next month centered around the fight sports. Well, sort
of.

Showtime Sports will air a new documentary called Prison Fighters:
5 Rounds to Freedom, which chronicles an unconventional criminal
justice system in Thailand where prisoners can earn their freedom
through winning muay Thai fights. The state-sponsored rehab program
is not reserved for just petty criminals. Instead, violent
criminals have been freed through their participation in Prison
Fights.

“This story is unlike anything we’ve ever encountered,” said
Stephen Espinoza, Executive Vice President and General Manager,
Showtime Sports. “Redemption is a common metaphor in sports
stories, but this is a story about actual redemption and
rehabilitation, with prisoners literally fighting for their release
from prison. This film brings viewers inside a personal story of
crime and punishment, set against a societal debate about the
meaning of justice, rehabilitation and the opportunity for a second
chance.”

Prison Fighters focuses on the story of Noy Khaopan, a convicted
murderer serving time in the Khao Prik Prison in Thailand. The film
crew follows him around for an extended period of time, culminating
with his final fight, which is against Lion Fight veteran Cody
Moberly. The show also focuses a bit on former bantamweight and
super featherweight world champion boxer Sirimongkol
Singwangcha.

The 90-minute film will premiere on Showtime on Feb. 24 at 8:30
p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. PT.